Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, issued a threat on Saturday to attack vessels heading to Israeli ports unless humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza.The warning follows a series of maritime attacks by the Houthis amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea.
They declared that Israel-bound vessels, regardless of flag or ownership, would be considered legitimate targets. The statement was welcomed by Hamas, and Israel’s national security adviser rejected the idea of a naval siege, seeking international intervention.
The French military reported shooting down two drones in the Red Sea that approached from Yemen’s coast. The Houthis have previously targeted ships, including claiming responsibility for attacking Israeli-owned vessels.
The rebels also warned against dealing with Israeli ports in the Red Sea, a crucial channel for global trade. In addition to maritime incidents, the Houthis have launched drone and missile strikes on Israel during the Israel-Hamas war, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The situation prompted G7 foreign ministers to call on the rebels to cease threats to international shipping and release a seized cargo vessel, the Galaxy Leader.
Yemen’s Houthis Say They Attacked Israeli Ships In Red Sea
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has acknowledged reports of attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels, Unity Explorer and Number Nine.
The Houthi spokesperson stated that the ships were targeted for rejecting warnings, citing the Yemeni people’s demands and calls from Islamic nations to support the Palestinian cause.
The USS Carney, according to a US official, successfully intercepted drones in multiple engagements. Other sources reported drone attacks on a bulk carrier and a container ship in the Red Sea, with the latter sustaining damage near Hodeidah, Yemen. Last month, the Houthis seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, and there have been previous Houthi attacks on Israeli vessels.
